PPA Publishes Results of Sports Betting Poll
In early February, coming off the announcement of a shakeup in its leadership, the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) invited its members to take a survey to gauge how people felt about the legalization of sports betting and the possibility of the PPA getting involved with its advocacy, as it does for poker. On Thursday, the PPA released the top line results (read: the numerical data) of the survey.
As one would expect from a survey giving to poker players who are members of a poker lobbying organization, there is a lot of support for sports betting. More than 90% of respondents said they are in favor of legalized sports betting on the federal level and the same number said they would support legalization in their individual states or residence.
Most respondents would also like to see the PPA get involved in sports betting advocacy and that it would help the poker cause. The numbers there were in the 60% range as opposed to the 90% mentioned above, but a solid portion of respondents also said “maybe,” meaning the percentage of players answering “no” to these questions was quite low.
“The survey confirms that there is a solid cross section of the poker community who also enjoy wagering on sporting events,” said newly-minted Poker Players Alliance President Rich Muny in a press release. “Moreover, there is considerable interest in advocating for sports betting legalization in the states, not only because survey respondents support the policy, but also because they believe that it would bolster efforts to pass legislation authorizing internet poker.”
Muny added:
This is extremely useful data as we chart the future of PPA. There are no other organized grassroots in the United States that advocate for expanded gaming opportunities. PPA is in a unique position to help advance sensible sports betting policy at the state and federal level. One thing is clear; regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of PASPA, there will continue to be vigorous debate about sports betting legalization, and consumer voices will be imperative to influencing lawmakers.
While PPA has primarily fought for the interests of poker players, since 2013, when iGaming advocacy turned into a state-by-state fight, PPA has advocated for broad-based internet gambling legalization in state capitals and defended against federal efforts to ban internet poker, internet casino gaming, and internet lotteries
Though it certainly looks like the PPA wants to get involved with lobbying for legalized sports betting and the results of the poll seem to indicate member support, the organization has not made a decision if it will go for it.
The complete poll, with reported results, is below.
1. Legalization of sports betting in the United States has been dominating the national headlines for the past several months and the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a landmark sports betting case later this year. Are you familiar with the news and public interest in sports betting?
Yes – 72%
No – 20%
Unsure – 9%2. In the past 12 months have you… (check all that apply)
• Placed a bet on a sporting event with a friend – 41%
• Participated in a sports betting game at a bar or tavern – 19%
• Placed a bet on a sporting event online using a computer, tablet or mobile device – 29%
• Participated in an office pool, grid, or bracket – 48%
• Placed a sports bet with a bookmaker or bookie – 10%
• Placed a bet at a sports book in a Nevada casino – 21%
• None of the above – 32%3. Currently, federal law makes sports betting illegal almost everywhere in the country, except in Nevada. Do you support changing federal law so that a state can authorize sports betting?
Support – 92%
Oppose – 3%
Unsure – 5%4. If federal law allows a state to offer sports betting, would you support legislation in your state to legalize sports betting?
Support – 92%
Oppose – 3%
Unsure – 5%5. With the organized fight for poker is entering its 12th year, do you believe a PPA-led project in support of grassroots advocacy for sports betting legislation would inject new enthusiasm, volunteerism and donations (individual as well as corporate)?
Yes – 60%
No – 9%
Maybe – 31%6. Given that there is not currently any organized consumer grassroots movement for sports betting, do you believe PPA has a good opportunity to take the lead in the push for legalized sports betting?
Yes – 69%
No – 9%
Maybe – 21%7. Do you believe that, were PPA a significant stakeholder in the push for sports betting, that PPA’s ability to promote legislation licensing internet poker would improve?
Yes – 62%
No – 15%
Maybe – 22%8. Would you support PPA expanding into advocacy for sports betting (online, bricks-and-mortar, kiosk-based, etc.) and casino style iGaming?
Yes – 68%
No – 17%
Maybe – 15%9. Do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, Independent or something else?
[No results published]
10. What is your age?
[No results published]
— Source: Poker Players Alliance
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